How to judge your home's curb appeal

If you have been trying to sell your home, you are well aware of how challenging it can be. However, there is one way that you can increase your chances of success and that is if you improve your home's curb appeal.



With fewer and fewer qualified buyers in the market it has become even more important to make your home as attractive as possible.



That's because a very high percentage of people who are shopping for a home decide whether or not they would like to take a look inside the home based on what they see as they drive by the house - or when they arrive for a showing. If the curb appeal is not positive they often leave.



As the homeowner it can be rather difficult for you to see your house through other people's eyes.



That's because you have gotten accustomed to how it looks and you see beyond whatever faults it has. However, if you are considering selling your home you have to first look at is as property rather than the roof over your particular head. And, as such, there are a number of things you can do to sell this property for the highest possible dollar.



Before you can increase your curb appeal you have to identify the areas that are ripe for improvement. Here's a simple exercise that you can do to help you to gage your home's curb appeal.



First, the next time you come back home, park across the street or down the block. You want to be able to get a good view of your property and its surroundings, as if you were looking at it for the first time. As you walk towards your house imagine that this is the first time you are here.



Is the approach to your property tidy and clean? Is there anything that you could do to make it more attractive?



Take a notepad with you and jot down your first impressions of the yard and the house. Then note the house's best exterior features.



Once you've done that take a moment or two to see if you can come up with some initial ideas about how you can enhance the looks of your house and property. Continue this exercise later.



After you consider the best features of your yard and home, make a note of what the worst features are. Then see if you can think of a number of ways that you could eliminate, improve, or minimize these negative factors.



One thing that could help is if you take pictures of your house. If your camera is a digital camera take the photos in color and look at them that way first. Then turn the image into black and white and analyze them. It may be easier to see the problems when the color doesn't affect your impressions.



by: Wendy Moyer

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6541.shtml

How to get your offers accepted to buy properties

The biggest challenge facing most real estate investors is making acceptable offers, especially when buying properties is the basic foundation of real estate investing.



Unless you buy properties, you cannot make any money.



Here is how to make offers that get accepted.



The offer you make depends on the type of property you are buying.



1) Buying from motivated sellers



If you buy houses from motivated sellers, it is necessary to have the following pieces of information:



a) Market Value



Do your due diligence to find out conservatively how much the house would be worth in perfect condition. You must have this information before you can make any offer.



b) Mortgage balance



You must get this information before you can make an offer. A seller who is not willing to disclose this information is not motivated enough. Move on to a motivated seller.



The mortgage balance must allow you to buy the house and still leave you with a profit. It must allow you to make a profit and own it free and clear.



c) Repairs needed



It is possible to estimate repair costs with the information provided by the seller.



You must know how much you need to fix up the house before you can make an offer. Of course, I like to see the house and do my own repair estimates.



d) Asking price



If the owner is asking for too much money given the above 3 pieces of information, the dealmight never happen.



A good asking price must take into account the market value, mortgage balance and repairs. You can then make an offer based on the asking price. Make an offer if the mortgage balance allows you to make a profit.



Even though it is necessary to consider the seller's needs, no offer can be too low. If they are facing foreclosure, then they probably need some money to move, or their asking price might be just enough to get away from the property.



If the mortgage balance is too high compared to the value of the house, it does not make sense to make an offer. Move on to the next deal.



There is no bad offer, except the one you have not made. Always make the offers that make sense to you. You'll be surprised how many get accepted.



2) Buying foreclosed properties



The asking price and repairs are the only important considerations to make in this case. Banks selling these properties are willing to negotiate.



Most REOs are listed below market value. Depending on your exit strategy, if the numbers are close to making sense, by all means make an offer.



Lastly, remember to make your offer lower than the asking price.



by: Simon Macharia

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6984.shtml

How to think like a buyer when getting your property ready to sell

The house is finally done after a whole lot of "blood, sweat and tears", and now it's time to get your wholesale flip "retail buyer ready". Real estate investors all have the same question at this point; how can I make my house stand out from the other homes for sale in the neighborhood? The answer is quite simple. Your home has to make a better first impression than your competition. Your potential buyer has to want to come inside from the moment they drive up to the house. So how do you do that?



Learn to think like a buyer!



Curb Appeal Is Everything!



Pay special attention to the landscaping and keep the grass cut and trimmed while your house is for sale. If you are selling during the summer months, extra watering may be needed to keep the lawn in tip top shape.



Give your yard a manicured look. It will really pay off to spend a few dollars to have the plants neatly trimmed, the planting beds weeded, and fresh mulch put down. A great touch is to put brightly colored flowers near the front of the house. You might even want to add a couple of pots of flowers at or near the front door well give it an extra touch. Be sure to pick plants that don't need daily watering.



All your windows should be sparkling clean on the exterior as well as the interior.



Take a good look at your front door. Does it need a fresh coat of paint or maybe just a good cleaning?



Spend a few dollars and replace your old mailbox, then add some attractive house numbers. These simple things will give your house a polished look.



Make sure your deck or patio in the back yard is neat and inviting. You want your buyers to be able to imagine entertaining or just relaxing in this space at the end of the day. A power washer can be rented for about $40-$50 dollars if heavy duty cleaning is needed. Go ahead and power-wash any siding on your house at the same time.



Store all garden equipment and trash containers out of sight.



Look at the interior of the house through "buyer's eyes"



Have a professional do a thorough house cleaning when the house is finished, paying special attention to the kitchen and the bathrooms. Remember these are the rooms that sell houses!



Make sure all floors have been cleaned and are in good condition. This also applies to any carpet that hasn't been replaced.



Give the house the "sniff test". Does it smell good?



Buyers don't want to have to paint before moving in, so be sure the house is painted in neutral colors. Painting the trim a crisp white makes the home look modern and inviting.



Home staging always pays big dividends! Consider doing some simple home staging so that prospective buyers can imagine what the home will look like with furniture in it.



Does the basement have a "musty" smell? Figure out what the problem is and correct it.



Does everything in the house function properly? Make sure all the light bulbs are working, and all of the cabinet handles and doorknobs are securely attached. Walk through the house and give it the same scrutiny that a buyer will, double checking the smallest details in the home.



Be sure to change your filters. If the furnace or AC filter hasn't been replaced during the rehab, clean or replace it.



Author: Sharon Vornholt



Sharon's Website: http://LouisvilleGalsRealEstateBlog.com

Thoughtful design in everyday spaces

Have you ever stopped to consider how much thought and effort went into the design of the spaces you visit every day? You may not realize it, but your favorite restaurants, neighborhood grocery store and go-to movie theater follow some very specific design principles in order to create a unique space that is both visually appealing and user-friendly.



Much like home designers, commercial architects and interior designers think of spaces in their totality. To a commercial designer, every area - from the entryway to the public bathrooms to the behind-the-scenes storage areas - must be considered when working on a new project. One way commercial designers help create a unique look and feel throughout public spaces is through the use of repetition. Repeating a pattern, color or texture in more than one area of a space lends a feeling of continuity.



According to Judd Lord, director of industrial design at Delta Faucet Company, this attention to detail makes commercial environments a great place to look for design inspiration.



'Highly-designed commercial spaces allow people to get a sense of what their own home may feel like in terms of color palette, textures, combination of materials and accents prior to actually committing to a design,' Lord says. 'For example, visiting high-end hotels can provide a great way to 'live' in a particular design aesthetic to see if it suits you.'



The next time you stay at a hotel, look for hints of repetition. You may find that the orange sofas in the lobby, for instance, carry through to your guest room pillows or decorative accents. Or, perhaps the wrought iron door handles match the window hardware perfectly. The small touches that regularly go unnoticed help to create a distinct sense of place in commercial spaces. When deciding what design elements to incorporate into a commercial building, designers consider not only how certain aspects can enhance overall design aesthetic, but also how they can be used to promote functionality in the space. For example, when designing an entryway, commercial designers must think about who will be using the space and for what purpose. While a banquet hall designer may prefer curving staircases to help create the feeling of grand luxury suitable for weddings and debutante balls, it is likely that they will also incorporate an elevator to ensure the space is accessible to all guests.



The important role functionality plays in commercial buildings is perhaps demonstrated most readily when taking the public bathroom into consideration. For instance, a single-room bathroom with a plush sitting area and vanity mirror may enhance the shopping experience for customers at a high-end boutique, while busy shoppers at large malls may prefer multiple stalls to help avoid long bathroom lines. For both of these spaces, innovative products can help enhance the bathroom experience through increased functionality. For instance, on Delta faucets that feature Proximity Sensing Technology, the entire faucet acts as a sensor, activating the flow of water instantly and effortlessly when it detects the presence of your hands. Faucets that employ this type of technology are more dependable than traditional infrared sensors - which can be unreliable in low-light or when wearing dark clothing and are more susceptible to vandalism that can impair the functionality of the faucet and make the bathroom experience a little easier for consumers in public spaces.



Building materials must also support the overall purpose of a space. Residential building materials are often chosen solely to help portray a specific design aesthetic, while materials used in commercial developments must be chosen with both durability and esthetics in mind. Everything, from the floorboards to the light switches, must be able to withstand the wear and tear of repeated use as these spaces may be visited by thousands of people per day. While a small amount of wear in a private home may make the environment feel more welcoming and warm, the public tends to regard the same amount of wear in a commercial space as being aged and out of date.



The next time you are out shopping at the grocery store, try to appreciate the smallest design details, such as the layout of shopping aisles that make it easier for you to navigate the store and return home more quickly. Attention to these details not only helps a business operate efficiently, but also creates a better experience for you, the consumer.

Upgrading your kitchen from 'blah' to 'bling' for less

From cooking to entertaining, the kitchen - always the heart of the home - now takes center stage as the 21st century hub of the home. As families spend more time in their homes, today's command central kitchen needs to be multi-functional and high-definition with easy-to-maintain surfaces dedicated to cooking, working, Web surfing and blogging, paying bills and doing homework, as well as creating a comfortable environment to entertain with family and friends.



To design a kitchen that meets the multiple needs of today's modern family, including standing up to its daily wear and tear without breaking the bank, homeowners can transform their kitchens with a few tips and tricks from interior design experts and companies that have created more durable and affordable yet equally beautiful products.



Small steps can create better spaces



Begin redesigning your kitchen to address multi-functional needs with some smart planning, and consider remodeling in phases rather than all at once. Begin with the easiest area: replace aging countertops with materials that are beautiful yet durable and versatile. Counter space for food preparation can be optimized for laptops and other electronics while you keep an eye on dinner and the kids. Design at the appropriate height and allow space for your legs under the counter so that the same space can be converted to an ad-hoc desk when you aren't cooking.



Incorporate a distinct play and work area for kids to do homework or create a crafting or game area for school and art projects, and family activities that can be tucked into a corner when not in use. Include flat-panel screens in a back splash or a separate lounge area adjacent to the workspace to entertain family and friends.



Counter life's madness with beautiful surfaces



Making the most of the countertop requires the right material for aesthetics and functionality. While there are numerous options, today's laminate countertops feature beautiful designs that mirror granite and other natural stones at a fraction of the cost, and with scratch-resistant finishes that are not only easy to clean but also resist common stains like peanut butter, permanent marker and red wine. Because laminates are made from recycled content and are easy to install and maintain, they make an eco- and budget-friendly choice for consumers.



Everyone loves the look of natural stones but they don't realize how much maintenance they can require, while, today's high-quality laminate mirrors that look and withstands daily wear and tear, says interior designer and HGTV's Design on a Dime host, Summer Baltzer. I love the fact that there are now new countertop collections, like the Wilsonart HD line, that offer great design options that complement both traditional and modern spaces, but also offer great features like integrated sinks and decorative edges, to make it a simple one-stop remodeling project. Consumers can give a room new life just by replacing a countertop with laminate at significant savings compared to other materials.



Get inspired and create a space to live in high definition



Before embarking on a renovation project, talk with the family to determine what the ideal kitchen will look like. Read home improvement magazines, watch remodeling shows for inspiration, and ask experts for tips and tricks at your home improvement store. Look at online tools such as the visualizer on www.WilsonartHD.com to see how you can upgrade your kitchen from blah to bling for less.

Home improvement tips that instantly lower your energy bill

Heating, cooling and water heating are the top three energy drains in a home, accounting for 60 percent of a home's energy bill according to ENERGY STAR, so it's wise to focus your home improvement efforts on those areas. A few simple steps and some strategic investments can lower your monthly bill significantly, plus you'll reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some tips for giving your home an energy-efficient facelift:



Change your home's air filter regularly



Smart homeowners will check their home's air filter every month to see if it needs replacing. How can you tell if it's time to swap in a new one? Look at the color - if it appears gray or brown, or you can visibly see particles or pet fur, it's time for a fresh one. A filter helps keep air flowing in your home and takes out dust, dander and other microscopic debris floating in the air. A dirty filter slows air flow, making your heating and cooling system work harder, costing you more money. Air filters should be replaced every one to three months.



Go beyond tankless: consider an integrated heating and water heating system



Many homeowners have heard about the advantages of tankless water heaters, but now there's a way to be even more efficient by using the Rheem Integrated Heating & Water Heating System, which uses a Rheem tankless water heater to heat both the air and water in your home with maximum efficiency. How does it work? The system matches a hydronic air handler with a tankless gas water heater.- When there's a demand for heat, hot water is circulated through the air handler to produce heat and is then re-circulated back to the tankless water heater to ensure that no water is wasted. This pairing of products provides a soft, comfortable heat to the home while maintaining comfortable humidity levels regardless of the climate. Also, the heating function of the system operates at the same efficiency as the tankless water heater - which could be as high as 94 percent efficient.



Lower the temperature on your water heater



To lower energy costs, consider lowering your water heater's temperature setting. Try somewhere around 120 degrees Fahrenheit and see if that is sufficient in supplying your home with hot water for showers, laundry, dishes, etc. Each 10 degree reduction in water temperature can save 3 to 5 percent, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. If you go on vacation, remember you can turn your water heater down to the lowest setting to save even more while you're gone and it's not in use.



Install a programmable thermostat



Adjusting your thermostat a few degrees during the day can have a big impact on your utility bill. For example, during cold months, turn your thermostat down when you're away from the house, such as during work. Programmable thermostats work perfectly for this - you can set your preferred temperatures throughout the week to fit your schedule and it adjusts automatically. About one-third of American homes have programmable thermostats, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. If you turn back your thermostat 10 or 15 degrees for periods of 8 hours or more, such as when you're at work, you can save 5 to 15 percent a year on your heating bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.



From changing your air filter on a regular basis to selecting an integrated system to heat your home's water and air supply, these changes can have a big impact on your utility bill, plus they're environmentally friendly too.

Everything you need to understand about cabinets - basic introduction to cupboards

When you think about cabinets, much more often than not, you think of kitchen cupboards. These are the hottest topics within the market these days simply because of their performance, significance, and versatility. However, there is much more to cabinets than kitchen area cupboards, as cabinetry encompasses all facets of house decoration.



Cabinets are much more than just storage. They speak of one's personality, your taste, and your sense of style. The chances are endless, but it boils down to what your choices are. In terms of style, you will find various sorts of cabinets to select from. But they're basically subsumed into common classifications, for example framed or frameless, inventory or custom made, conventional, country, or modern fashion, made of hardwood, wood veneers or other materials.



Inventory and Customized Cupboards



Cupboards are generally classified into stock cabinets and customized cupboards. Inventory cupboards are individuals cupboards which are pre-fabricated and could be bought "off the rack" in many cupboard shops. Customized cabinets, on the other hand ordinarily refer to cupboards that are specially built by cabinet makers to match a homeowner's extremely comprehensive specs, and therefore are usually carried out on site (homeowner's home).



Framed and Frameless Cabinets



A framed cabinet is a cupboard with a body connected towards the entrance edges of its physique. This is also known as traditional, face-framed or American-style cabinet. A frameless cabinet, as the title implies, is one which has no body attached to enhance its physique. This is the standard among European-style cabinets.



Conventional, Country, Or Modern Style



If one goes by custom, all kitchen area cabinets are created from hardwood and therefore are fastened to the kitchen area walls. But nowadays, completely fixed cupboards have given way to standalone mobile cabinets that might come in unconventional materials, for example glass or plastics. Traditional fashion cupboards are appealing to more people because of its ageless appearance.



Country style cupboards give a comfortable, cozy and welcoming feel to a space. Hardwood is the best material to start with in the event you choose a country feel for your cabinets, as this may blend well with florals or nature-inspired textiles or designs.



There are countless other styles to choose from, enough to get you confused on your choices. To avoid this, it would be best to understand exactly where to begin your search. Browse through magazines, woodworking books, or cupboard shops. You can broaden your search to web sites on homes and furnishings. Just remember not to overlook a fashion that would naturally blend with design and architecture of one's house.



Strong Wood, Bonded Wood, and Wood Veneers



It's been a long time, and getting new cabinets means getting the services of a cabinet maker or getting down and dirty to make custom wood cupboards. As technologies have progressed, the opportunities have become limitless. Old and new supplies offer other various classifications of cabinets.



Solid Wood



Because of its versatility and ageless appearance and appeal, wood has become the most common material used for cabinets. It provides a warm, homely atmosphere, and blends nicely with nearly any type of interior design and d�cor. The various kinds of wood species give more diverse choices, but your option would eventually depend on your personal style and spending budget. Wood is the most sought-after material for customized cabinets.



Wood supplies come from two kinds of trees: hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwood supplies come from coniferous timber, or trees which are easy to acquire. Softwood materials come from dicotyledonous or hard-to-cut trees.



Various wood species fetch different costs, relying on its availability and overall look. You will find several materials you can choose from: maple, oak, cherry, hickory, yellow birch, or pine.



Oak was the heavy favorite among cupboard builders until recently, when maple grew to become more popular within the cupboard industry. It is adaptable to any type of cabinet style due to its mild and normal grain texture. Extremely comparable to maple when it comes to flexibility, is the yellow birch selection. With its power and broad range of colors, it's a preferred option for kitchen cupboards.



Cherry wood colors vary from pinkish to red-brown when aged and exposed to sunlight. Hickory is a light colored, to reddish brownish hardwood that is best for a staining finish. Although, pinewood will be the most inexpensive selection, it requires careful handling and preparation due to its susceptibility tobumps and scratches.



Exotic woods fetch higher prices as they are the much more uncommon types. Among those are mahogany, ebony, and walnut. Mahogany is largely derived from tropical rainforests. Its reddish brownish color and normal grain qualities make it an ideal alternative to old oak wood. Walnut colors range from darkish brown to your purplish shade of black. Ebony wood generally refers to very dark or black wood.



Bonded Wood



Bonding refers to the procedure of making large wood supplies from a number of smaller pieces of wood. Bonding processes differ. One way is cutting broad boards into narrow parts, then glued collectively to make the specified width or form. Blocks of wood might also be glued together to make up a single component of the cabinet. Another procedure entails wood chips or small wood particles combined with a gluing substance, the processed to create sturdy wood particle boards. And lastly, the process of bonding several levels of particle boards might be carried out to create plywood panels that are ideal for adding strength to softwood cabinets.



Wood Veneers



Wood veneers are thin layers of wood supplies from superior species of wood. These are glued on the surface of the cupboard materials, generally plywood or plastic board. This will be the best choice to get a more versatile wood cupboard accented with various wood patterns and textures. Wood veneers are aesthetically effective not just for raised panel cabinet doors, but also for flat or recessed cabinet doorways.



A word of caution for the spending budget: Although wood veneer as an option for wood appears to suggest that's an inexpensive material, extremely elaborate veneering styles could end up being much more expensive work pieces.



Amy Wells

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6837.shtml